I noticed if its crunchy and stiff, or papery feeling it was on the bargain rack. The good stuff you get at the quilt shops instead of Walmart or other cheaper places, is soft, a little glossy and almost feels like its got silk in it, but it says 100% cotton. I dumped all the crunchy stuff at a yard sale that I bought before I knew better. All my work has to be with the good stuff. :) Fabric.com has good fabric at a decent price too.